PFL and Rizin to crown unified featherweight champion at Super Rizin 5

The PFL and Rizin will crown a unified featherweight champion when A.J. McKee challenges Rajabali Shaidullaev for both promotional titles at Super Rizin 5 on Sept. 10 at Kyosera Dome Osaka in Japan. Sherdog confirmed the cross-promotional bout Monday.

Shaidullaev, 19-0 with all wins inside the distance, has defended his Rizin belt three times since winning it less than a year ago. Thirteen of those victories came in the opening round. McKee enters on a three-fight streak after dropping back-to-back decisions to Patricky Freire and Spike Carlyle in 2024.

What the double-title format means for MMA

Rizin CEO Nobuyuki Sakakibara said the setup breaks new ground. "There have been several occasions in the past when a fighter has entered another organization and challenged for that promotion's championship," he said in a statement, per Sherdog. "This time, however, we are attempting something unprecedented: placing the championship belts of both organizations on the line in a single fight hosted by one promotion."

PFL CEO John Martin told media he wanted to deliver the fights fans demand. "Now, with this extraordinary partnership, I can't wait to honor that promise and bring a truly unique and fresh opportunity for the MMA community to enjoy," he said. "For me, it will be a special experience as I get to throw my full support behind one fighter, and I'm looking forward to being cage side to watch the 'Mercenary' bring the titles to PFL."

The rest of the card features Mikuru Asakura against Shinya Aoki, Ren Hiramoto against Karshyga Dautbek, and Yutaka Saito against Ren Sugiyama. Tickets are on sale now.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — PFL, Rizin make MMA history with double title fight at Super Rizin 5